4AM and up with the moon? I was in the mood to finish and thought it we just got started we could wrap up this day and have a shower and a great meal (boy were my estimates off). It really was a beautiful start with light winds that worked with us as we headed south through a couple cuts. We then decided to turn east which proved to be premature. We ran aground a few times and as you can see ultimately headed south to hit the ICW. From there it was a slow process to head into the wind. The tracking doesn't really do justice to the number of tacks but there was other exciting things throughout the day.
In the morning we clearly scared something and a cloud of silt was thrown up underneath us. We speculate it was either a manta or perhaps a manatee. Still pretty exciting.
Additionally as night fell we saw a flare rise into the sky. We headed in that direction and other boaters did as well. I guess everything thinks a kayak can't handle themselves as two boats came up to us asking if we were okay. We said we were and thought the flare came from the boat ahead. Then a second flare rose. At this point I radioed the Coast Guard. They asked for the standard data like position and whatnot and eventually asked if we could establish contact. We made our way to a 17 foot center console on a shoal. Here is the highlights of our conversation with B for me a C because he was Canadian:
B- Are you okay? Are you having a medical emergency?
C- Yes I am stuck?
B- But are you okay?
C- Yes but I am not from around here and don't know these waters... and I am stuck. Can you help me?
B- No you are going to have to wait on the tide.
C- How long will that be?
B- I don't know... 6 hours.
C- But my wife might call and I have anxiety
B- You have a phone? If so call a towing service.
C- I am from Canada.
B- Well I am calling this into the Coast Guard and perhaps they can help.
Honestly I was awestruck at two things. An anxious Canadian would go out in a boat without a radio or lights and then start firing off flares. Secondly, all these fancy boats with VHF and whip antenna up 20 feet don't know how to call the Coast Guard. At one point I had to shush a man who was interrupting me while I was on with them. In conclusion the CG thanked me for my service and we saw 3 different boats show us. Not sure what happened beyond that.
So with all the drama we finished our race at 10PM give or take. There were so many people cheering us on from the beach with booz and light sabers. It was really fun. Mom had beers and conch fritters. Thanks ground crew!
Let the celebration begin.
Approximate Distance: 54 miles
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